Why Spring is a Great Time for SmartLipo

Liposuction has been an important cosmetic procedure for many years. Long before the development of laser liposuction techniques, men and women around the world benefitted from surgical fat reduction using a tiny cannula and suction. In recent years, though, we have been fortunate to witness refinement in the area of liposuction that has enabled more patients to achieve their desired results. We are proud to offer the SmartLipo laser liposuction procedure to patients in the Los Angeles area.

What makes SmartLipo different is the use of laser energy to disrupt pockets of fat before removal. The more fat cells can be separated out from other tissue, the easier they are to extract. What this has led to is a far less invasive procedure; one that can be performed with local anesthetic versus general anesthesia. Without general anesthesia, the immediate recovery period is much shorter; patients can return home within an hour or two after their surgery. Additionally, smaller incisions and easier fat extraction mean a shorter overall recovery. For that reason, Springtime isn’t too late to consider that liposuction procedure before Summer.

What to Expect After SmartLipo

During the early weeks of recovery after SmartLipo, patients may need to curb their normal routine just a bit. It is possible to return to work and other normal activities within a week to 10 days. However, heavy lifting and strenuous exercise will have to wait until approved by your doctor.

What patients want to know is when they will be able to see the results of their liposuction procedure. In the typical procedure, liposuction may lead to swelling and bruising that need to be alleviated with surgical drains and compression garments. After SmartLipo, swelling subsides quite a bit over the first few weeks of healing. Initially, patients should expect for swelling to be noticeable. By wearing compression garments and following doctor’s orders, though, a beautiful new shape begins to reveal itself at about the 3-week mark.

One-Month Post-Op

By week 4 or 5 after surgery, the majority of the swelling will have vanished, and body contours will be much more noticeable. It is important to continue following post-op instructions at this point, such as avoiding alcohol and tobacco, two lifestyle choices that can influence how the body recovers.

When the Magic Happens

When we look at patient data, we see that the magic happens between months 3 and 6 after SmartLipo. It is at this point that swelling has decreased enough to have the best perception of the final results of treatment. In addition to swelling reduction, this is also the time when the culmination of collagen-production can be seen. The skin may appear tighter and smoother with a more contoured body.

Now is a great time for SmartLipo with Dr. Lee. Call our Los Angeles office at (818) 325-0400.